Students....you're doing it wrong! Become a plumber!!!

[Housey]

I need some plumbing work doing. I need showers/toilets/pipework fixing, I think around a week's work. Can I get a plumber to do any of this? Nope, it's like pulling teeth trying to find quality reliable tradespeople who will arrive when they say and carry out quality work.

I am told a good plumber doing a good job with regular work can earn well into 6 figures (can they?) so it has me thinking. Most of the students going through their courses week on week probably won't earn 6 figures in the next 20 years. Some will and then some, but most won't and though I am not one seeking to step on anyone's vision or passion for their future, I do find myself asking myself, are many people missing a trick? I think the same when I read people on minimum wages or who have done the same thing for pretty much the same money for many years, are you missing a trick?

So, become a plumber please, the nation needs you!!!

Discuss (read learn me).

 

[Housey]

You need to know people, once you find a decent tradesman stick with them! Most of the tradesmen I know are rarely, if at all, out of work.

I know loads, getting them is the issue.

 

[Housey]

I think the reason kids don't want to go into the trades is that they don't have the social status they (arguably) deserve.

And I'm sure you'll appreciate the ludicrosity of such a mindset.

 

[Housey]

The thing is that it's extremely labour intensive and once they reach their 40's and 50's their bones and joints are pretty much worn out. At least with a "professional" job (don't like using the term) I won't get those issues.

Good point, but have a transition plan to hand over the business and take a wage as you get older. Start as a 1 person business, get a couple of juniors over time and in time let them get their own juniors. Pay them a wage, grow to a few vans built on the foundations of your own quality and work ethic and pay them enough so they stay and are content.

Easier said than done, but a HUGE demand for good people who can turn their hands to stuff like plumbing, painting, building etc.

I have a plumber (a 35-year friend) coming around today with one of his plumbers to quote me. I have window people replacing windows and a tree specialist coming in tomorrow to remove a fallen tree and trim back some others. Remove the windows bit and there is still probably 3k of work there, plus parts.

 

[Housey]

I think with most plumbers the issue is they are good at their jobs but not at running a business. The ones that are can make a lot of money as they understand contingency and planning. Get that bit right and find a good location and you’re off and running.